Sir Bobby Robson (1933 – 2009): An Enchanting Man, A Football Man

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Sir Bobby Robson this week. The legendary former England player and manager died on Friday age 76 after losing his long-running battle with cancer.

At times like this it is often difficult to write any article powerful or effective enough to do justice to such a great man. I could produce a lengthy obituary listing all Sir Bobby’s wonderful achievements in the game of football he loved so dearly.

I could talk about the variety of trophies in a variety of countries. I could mention the plethora of giants of the game who still talk about the man with an almost childlike glee, men like Alex Ferguson, Paul Gascoigne, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Terry Butcher and Ronaldo, each from a different background, each with their own fond personal memories of the man simply known as ‘Sir Bobby.’

I could spin a yarn listing his finest and wittiest quotes, as told to a press corps he grew to mistrust deeply after being on the receiving end of some quite horrendous treatment while in the England job, but whom he still dealt with with the upmost humility and grace.

I could do all that. But would any of it really do this exceptional person justice? Would it really convey the intelligence, brilliance and genuine warmth of a man “defined by energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. By enchantment” as George Caulkin writes?

Perhaps not. So instead by way of tribute I am going to link to a few other articles from people who knew him far better than I, articles that go some length towards capturing the essence of the great gentleman that was Sir Bobby Robson.

Before I do, on a personal level there are two particular aspects of Sir Bobby’s career and life that to me really exemplify his immense character and, certainly in my eyes, help convey to some extent why he was so well loved and respected.

The first thing that always stands out for me is the courage and adaptability Sir Bobby showed in choosing to move abroad to coach in the aftermath of his time with England. Taking in three different countries Robson won back to back league titles at PSV Eindhoven, a league and cup double at Porto and three trophies at FC Barcelona.

For a proud County Durham man who dearly loved his homeland this shows a particularly strong sense of enterprise, versatility, self-determination and spirit. To not only adapt to three new cultures but do so in the pressure cooker environment of football management at the highest level, at some of Europe’s finest clubs, and still win not just trophies but also public affection and admiration, speaks volumes. Especially in a country renowned for it’s insularity. Robson is still known abroad affectionately as ‘El Mister.’

Secondly and more poignantly comes a quote that in my opinion almost sums up Sir Bobby Robson completely. Allow me to simply quote Caulkin’s piece in The Times:

The final chapter of Newcastle, My Kind of Toon centred on Sir Bobby’s lengthy tussle with cancer and how it inspired him to establish the foundation that bore his name. “I’ve had a great life, I really have,” he wrote. “When I look back on everything I’ve done and seen, the experiences I’ve had, the myriad colours and memories, I don’t feel as though I’ve ever been ill.

“I’ll puff out my chest and say to Elsie, ‘I’ve been fit all my life, I have’. She’ll look at me as if I’m daft. ‘Bobby, what are you talking about? You’ve had cancer five times’. She’s right, of course, but it rarely interrupted my work and never detracted from my enjoyment of living. If you’re 2-0 down at half-time, what do you do? You look at where the game is going wrong and why and what you’re going to do about it.”

To me, that last bit in bold says it all about Sir Bobby. Gracious, dignified, a battler, a man with the strength of mind and lust for life to fight on in the face of adversity. A man who always looked on the bright side of life. A man of honour who carried himself with a certain charm and wide-eyed sincerity that endeared him to anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him.

And, of course, more than anything else, a football man with an undying passion for the game, as is so beautifully captured in his ‘2-0 down’ analogy on life.

In my opinion, men like Sir Bobby Robson live on eternally. He will always be remembered. The memories will never fade – not in Newcastle, not in Ipswich, not in Catalunya or Eindhoven. Not in Portugal or England. And certainly not for the people that knew him. As Jose Mourinho stated, “Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die for all that they have given to people like myself, who had the fortune to walk by his side. My thoughts are with all of his dearest.”

Mine too. Rest in peace, Sir Bob.

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If you wish to read more about Sir Bobby Robson here are a few pieces I’ve enjoyed reading over the last few days:

-George Caulkin on the Bobby Robson he knew and loved.
-Daily Mail sportswriters offer their personal memories.
-Kevin McCarra on this ‘footballing pioneer’.
-Ga
ry Lineker remembers Sir Bobby and Italia ‘90.
-Patrick Barclay in The Times talks about this ‘great man, fabulous manager.’
-Oliver Kay on Sir Bobby’s foreign exploits.
-Gabby Logan on this ‘magical delight’ of a man.
-Amy Lawrence on a man who loved football more than it loved him.
-On Robson’s successes at Ipswich Town.
-David Lacey in The Guardian on the ‘heart and soul of English football.

If you get some spare time do have a read as these are some excellent articles befitting a truly great man.

Photo 1 courtesy of Paul Forsdick on Flickr.

All-Time Greats, England, Sir Bobby Robson